The 15th Annual Brajanath Sharma Memorial Inter-State Drama Festival, organised by the well-known amateur theatre group Samahar Natya Gosthee, is scheduled to be held from 12th to 15th September 2024 at the District Library Auditorium in Guwahati. This significant cultural event is dedicated to commemorating the legacy of Brajanath Sharma, the pioneer of Assamese mobile theatre, who brought women onto the stage in Assam in 1933, revolutionising the region’s theatre landscape. The festival has become a landmark event in Assam, drawing attention to the importance of theatre in cultural and social movements.
Lalit Sarma, President of the Drama Festival Committee, expressed his excitement about the upcoming event. He noted that the festival had grown into a vital cultural event over the last 14 years and that the organisers bear the responsibility of continuing this success. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the high standards set by previous editions of the festival and expressed hope that this year’s event would be just as grand and impactful.
The festival, organised annually by Samahar Natya Gosthee since 2007, honours the contributions of Brajanath Sharma to Assamese theatre and society. In addition to his revolutionary role in introducing women to the stage, Sharma was a committed freedom fighter. His involvement in destroying British establishments in Barpeta during India’s independence struggle highlights the breadth of his contributions to Assamese society and culture. His life’s work continues to inspire theatre practitioners and enthusiasts throughout Assam.
The inauguration ceremony will take place on the evening of 12th September. Brajanath Sharma’s daughter, Hiranbala Devi, and his granddaughter, Neelakshi Mishra Sharma, will light the ceremonial lamp. The festival will be officially inaugurated by veteran politician, intellectual, and writer Hemen Das, who has long been an advocate of cultural preservation. The festival’s souvenir, ‘Kohinoor’, will be unveiled by eminent writer and former Bodo Sahitya Sabha President, Toren Boro. The inaugural evening will conclude with a performance of “PIL-99” by the group Drasta from Guwahati. The play, written by Dr Sitanath Lahkar and directed by Indrajit Kakati, poignantly addresses the issue of corruption, particularly in essential services such as water supply, and highlights the often difficult path of legal recourse for the common man.
On 13th September, Samahar Natya Gosthee will present “DROHI”, written and directed by Dr Sitanath Lahkar. The play, set during the COVID-19 pandemic, exposes how certain sections of society exploit human catastrophe through superstition and manipulation. It sheds light on the darker sides of human nature, particularly during times of crisis. This performance will be held as part of the Manabendra Bhattacharyya Evening.
On the evening of 14th September, Jagiroad Natyagosthi will stage “IMAAN DHUNIYA PRITHIBIKHON”, a play directed by Tarun Talukdar. This drama, centred on the dangerous impacts of drug addiction, follows two young men as they struggle with substance abuse. The play explores the broader societal implications of drug addiction and suggests possible ways forward for individuals and communities affected by this menace.
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The festival will conclude on 15th September with two performances of “NYAY”, the latest play by Samahar Natya Gosthee. Written and directed by Dr Sitanath Lahkar, the play confronts the deeply troubling issues of lynching and rape. It follows the story of a rape victim’s harrowing journey through the justice system, emphasising the significant societal stigma faced by survivors of such crimes. The play offers a powerful commentary on the challenges of seeking justice in a society fraught with prejudice and violence.
The organisers are hopeful that this year’s festival will continue to inspire alternate theatre movements in Assam, encouraging important discussions around the social issues portrayed in the plays. For more information, members of the public can contact 9401886222.
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